After hearing from the community members, school board and district superintendent, it is clear that the crisis in the Susquehanna Township School District is fueled by a lack of communication and a significant lack of trust between the various parties.

For example, it appears that the administration has little trust that the community knows what it needs. Certain members of the community appear to question the truthfulness of the superintendent.

The board appears to be divided in its understanding or support of the various factions which, in turn, may contribute to the skepticism expressed by members of the community with respect to the board.

The current atmosphere of elevated emotions, festering mistrust and sketchy information makes finding solutions to the problem increasingly difficult. In this situation, where multiple agendas exist, it would be beneficial to establish a process whereby common ground could be identified.

If the school board, administration, teachers and parents are serious about developing possible solutions, an organized process needs to be established. One such process would be for the district to hire an independent professional who is skilled in facilitation, conflict resolution and problem-solving.

This professional could help to identify pathways to solutions through the utilization of such techniques as focus groups, facilitated discussions and, possibly, multiparty problem-solving meetings.

There appear to be too many conflicting agendas, a disproportionate access to information, and too little trust for the various parties to productively work without outside assistance. By using an “outside,” independent professional, there would be less room for criticisms related to bias or lack of impartiality.

It is believed that if the school board and administration were to suggest this type of process, and agreed to postpone any major decisions regarding future contracts, it would go a long way toward re-creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation.

Amy Keisling is a resident of Susquehanna Township. Her husband and older son are Susquehanna Township High School graduates and her younger son is a current Susquehanna Township senior. Arnold T. Shienvold is a a clinical psychologist in private practice.